review: desserts in jars

Desserts in Jars is written by Shaina Olmanson and published by Harvard Common Press and is filled with suggestions for delicious sweets cooked or presented in jars. The author includes useful information on using jars, such as the variety of sizes, their eco-friendy nature, and tips on how to fill, bake, freeze and decorate them. I appreciate how the jars can be implemented as a practical baking dish, as well as a beautiful serving dish.

In Desserts in Jars, the Cakes and Cupcakes area has several scrumptious recipes, including a ribbon adorned tres leches cakes, which are sponge cakes soaked in three milks and topped with whipped cream and a cherry. Pies seem so well suited to jars, and my favorites always have the tiny lattice top crust, which looks so perfectly adorable. Custards and puddings are either baked in the jars or spooned into them after being cooked and make an easy to eat treat, whether it’s Indian Rice Pudding or Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Pots de Creme.

Seasonal fruit can be made into crisps, crumbles, cobblers and more. I had to try the trifle though, which has Banana Buttermilk Cake layered with banana pudding, sliced bananas and topped with whipped cream. It was a perfect summer dessert that certainly did not disappoint and it looked gorgeous in the glass jars!

The frozen dessert chapter includes chilly treats like ice cream cakes, frozen pies and granitas. But the recipe I had to try was the “Fried” Ice Cream, which didn’t require frying at all. For this yummy concoction, I just had to press the cornflake topping in the bottom of the jar, add ice cream, and while it firmed up in the freezer, I made the honey caramel sauce (yum!) which went on top with a bit more of the topping. Mmmm, heavenly! And easy, too.

The last section in Desserts in Jars has ideas for gifts mixes, which I really enjoy making for holiday presents. I love how pretty the ingredients look layered in the jars and how the reusable jar becomes an extra gift, too.

Peach-Raspberry Verrines with Lemon-Thyme Cream (Click photo for recipe)

Cardamom Pear Crisps (Click photo for recipe)